Differences in loading patterns between fast walking and jogging at the same speed in male adults

Abstract

Fast walking and jogging are two common exercises for people to maintain health in daily life. But the differences in loading patterns of fast walking and jogging are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare loading patterns in fast walking and jogging at the same speed, and to identify how differences in foot mechanics influence plantar pressure distribution between the two modes of gait. Totally, 49 healthy males participated in this study. Data of pressure parameters, including maximum force (MF), peak pressure (PP), contact area (CA), force-time integral (FTI), were recorded by Pedar-X insole plantar pressure measurement system in participants’ fast walking and jogging process at 7 km/h. A Load transfer analysis method was used to quantify the plantar load transference from fast walking to jogging. The results showed that MF, PP and CA increased in metatarsal regions and midfoot regions while decreased in toes regions and heel during jogging when compared with fast walking. FTI decreased in all foot regions during jogging compared to fast walking. Under the effects of spring mechanics and the varus of rearfoot during jogging, fast walking and jogging reveal different loading patterns. Compared jogging to fast walking, load transferred as follow: 1) in transverse direction, load transferred from lateral foot to medial foot in metatarsal regions and midfoot regions, 2) in longitudinal direction, load transferred from toes to the metatarsal, and from heel to the metatarsal and midfoot. These results also provide suggestions for footwear designs.Graphical abstract